Trend: Caramel and Cream

Jul 07, 2011 by mel

I am LOVING this look of caramel colored bags and cream clothing from Fabulous K.

caramel and cream is summer sweet!

How would you put a similar outfit together, using one of our handbags?

I would definitely choose the Brittany Caribbean Tote that I used in yesterday’s style post.

Hello, Brittany!

The look: summer’s maxi dress trend

Jul 06, 2011 by mel

With accessories, you need to dress according to the outfit you wear — and this includes adding a purse to your ensemble. So, what do you pair with the season’s hottest outfit trend: the maxi? Simple, chic and classic jewelry — or even avoid individual pieces altogether to opt for a handbag as your statement accessory.

With bright, colorful floral prints (as seen below), a classic tote or messenger bag will take you between afternoon errands to late-nights with margaritas on your favorite patio. Stay away from busy patterns or slouchy hobos that will otherwise over-power your patterned dress and overwhelm that “easy” look of summer.

Flower Power!

Match with Brittany Caribbean Summer Tote (which comes in an amazing seven colors):

Essential Summer Tote!

Since maxi dresses tend to stray away from solid colors (most women cannot carry that ensemble off without accessorizing for the season properly), here’s another breezy example — the ECI Jersey Maxi Dress from Nordstrom.

70s Revival!

Similarly patterned — albeit not as bright — this airy ankle-length dress doesn’t need much in the way of accents. Keep your style simple by pairing with a quilted shoulder bag. Both colors of the Debra and Melissa flap shoulder bags pair well with the scheme of this busy, but chic outfit, keeping it dressy.

As Blue as the Summer Skies!

Now, for more casual affairs, some still enjoy the luxury of a chain-strap quilted handbag, but others prefer something with more room — summer adventures can take you anywhere, you know. Again, a simple, colored tote would work great here as well.

What handbags or accessories do you pair with your maxi dresses?

Summer Beach-worthy Bags: are you worthy?

Jun 21, 2011 by mel

It’s official (as of today): SUMMER IS HERE. Even if temperature-wise, it feels as though its humidity has been around for a few weeks. The heat index is probably my least favorite aspect of the summer. I mean, I LOVE the expectation that there’s a greater chance for blue skies and outdoor activities, but 99% of the time, it ends with me exhausted and sweaty (I’m so much more of a Fall person). Be that as it may, it’s good to be prepared with light, airy fabrics during heat waves like this — and I think the same goes for purses as well. Regardless if you’re stay-cationing or traveling to even warmer climates (*gasp*).

Looking chic on the beach is easy, when you are accessorized appropriately. I mentioned our new navy-striped canvas bag in an earlier post, but here are a few other handbags that are shoreside-appropriate.

Cheryl Dou, a new arrival, is a great bucket bag for the season. The contrasting colors are bright and fun — much like most of us wish the summer will be. This handbag has one purpose: to tuck away and organize all your belongings for a long day in the sun. Inside, there’s room to pack your SPF and flip-flops, as well as anything for a quick change. Large enough for a few big items (beach towel included), Cheryl Dou will also double as your favorite everyday bag. The beach is THIS WAY.

A favorite from last summer, Betty Pretzel remains a popular handbag for summer. This tote has versatility written all over it — and might even scream ”Picnic time!” Betty will pair with your sundresses for backyard barbecues and look cool for your outdoor musical festivals. Heck, I even carry this one to the ballgame! Regardless of outdoor adventure, a large main compartment will hold your sunglasses or umbrella – fully determined upon the weather circumstances of today. Assorted pockets and pouches will hold sunscreen, bug repellent or eating utensils. Mustard not included, however.

Jennifer Explorer Tote (I and II and BOTH new to the shop), is prepared to take you on new adventures — good thing you brought a map! *snicker* ‘Cuz you might get lost in this globetrotter-of-a-bag. But you can find your place in this world by carrying everything with you, stowed in their appropriate compartments (overhead or otherwise). Make sure your seatbelt if fastened and your seat is in the upright position. We’re taking off with this new handbag!

We’re not worthy! Which bag will you be carrying this summer?

Summer Essential: Canvas Handbags and Stripes

Jun 16, 2011 by mel

The summer heat calls for accessories that are light in fabric and chic in fashion. As for purses, my arm can’t handle the stickiness of leather material (and I’ve had way too many sweat-induced color bleeds from my handbag straps), so I opt for a cotton tote or canvas hobo for my summertime wardrobe.

Keeping on trend, stripes naturally project a nautical theme that always seems to be “in” around vacation time (that is, if you take a break between June and August), and the color navy is inherently compatible. A little of the red, white & blue in attire is somewhat patriotic in memory, what with being surrounded by American holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. And yet, all those colors correspond with how you should be styled in these hot temperatures.

Now, you can find both stripes and canvas together in one of our new arrivals: the Navy Striped Canvas Hobo.

As its description suggests: Inspired by travels to the Mediterranean and stateside beach vacations, the Navy Striped Canvas Hobo is a summer essential for any nomadic heart. Cinched closed and tassel accented by quality leatherette strap, your eyes can’t help but migrate between the exterior stripes and contrasting solid-colored fabric lined interior.

To prevent any vagabond beach necessities, the inside contains one main compartment, a couple open pouches and a side zippered pocket to keep your sunscreen and sunglasses separated from any wayward sand and sea.

Will you embrace the striped trend this season and carry the navy striped canvas hobo with you on summer adventures?

What was she wearing?

Jun 09, 2011 by mel

More like, what was she carrying?

I love these features. I think the purses — as well as the outfit ensembles — all say a lot about each celebrity’s personality, no?

So, which purse style do you identify with: the fun printed canvas bag, chic folded flap clutch, elegant small hand-held evening bag, woman-on-a-mission large leather tote? Or the double shoulder bags (oh, my arms are tired) look?

photo from Who What Wear

White is in… what do YOU pair with it?

Jun 03, 2011 by mel

Memorial Day has passed, so the fashion “rules” tell us that wearing white is now in session. Or at the very least, safe from the glaring and judgmental eyes of those who follow such silly rules. While I’m not the type that can do white from head-to-toe, I certainly LOVE the look (I’m just too klutzy to trust myself wearing the shade), especially in a cute pair of summer shorts of a maxi dress accented with brilliant accessories. But all white attire can benefit from a great-looking summer handbag.

Rule #1: Don’t carry a white bag while wearing a white outfit. Accessories are where you get to play, so don’t wear an all-over colorless ensemble completely. That would be boring.

Enough with the rules! Here are a few suggestions to help guide you into what to carry this season (with your white, of course):

Play with color: I love a bold color contrast. Hot pink with white is probably one of my favorite combos. And Jackie’s Luxury Tote is amazing when paired with your professional white suit (oh how I WISH I was so bold).

Patterns and textures are summer-licious: Floral prints round out the all-white AND 70s trends together with one purse, but I think those prints are too “last year.” Opt instead for a quilted envelope purse like the Jasmin Quilted Shoulder Bag (in five gorgeous colors!).

The nude is totally on point with summer trends:

Where you going?: Consider what’s on your weekend agenda before planning your summer outing. Music or arts festival with a white, lace sundress? You will love having the Carol Striped Chic Satchel on your arm. Also: remember that messenger bags (or additional straps to convert your handbag) are your friend this summer.

Need another inventive alternative? The Nell Smart Hobo Handbag coverts to a backpack — how genius! And perfect for summer, if I do say so myself.

Tell us in the comments how you will match up your accessories to white fashion this summer!

Woven handbags: a summer staple

May 26, 2011 by mel

This holiday weekend marks the unofficial start to SUMMER. In fact, temperatures in excess of 80 degrees have already confirmed it. I’m excited to put away tights and break out the open-toe shoes and sandals. And oh, the SUNDRESSES!

I love summer fashion for many reasons, but especially for handbag trends. Sure, most purses get smaller, and cross-body bags become more popular with a growing list of scheduled events like arts and music festivals. Woven handbags are the epitome (and the centerpiece) of summer wardrobe: pair with casual wear (as most of us seemingly don to prevent overheating from June through August), match varied vacation attire and double well as a beach accessory (with some large enough to carry a bikini and a pair of flip-flops for a secondary weekend adventure). But I love the look of a woven shoulder bag (either with exposed straw materials or in “summery” colors like white, natural or light pink) with a floppy hat, big sunglasses and printed maxis.

Here are my favorites for the season:

Sparkly AND Beachy!

Tote-ally Fabulous!

Pink Me! Pink Me!

Twisted Over Woven with Braids.

Which is your favorite woven handbag?

The fit of a handbag

May 16, 2011 by mel

How a handbag “fits” can be broken into two categories:

1. How it fits your body shape/type

2. And how it fits into your wardrobe

For decades, stylists have recommended a purse sit right under the armpit for a “perfect” fit. As we’re all well aware, where our armpit is, is different with the many body shapes of women. Also, I found that sometimes a purse directly underneath my arm (on my small, athletic frame) is uncomfortable. Especially for long periods of time.

The straps of handled bags are becoming longer and longer (with the exception of satchels, where just the bag itself is growing in size). And with clutches, handles are practically non-existent in new collections (I love carrying a small, flat purse in my hands — it’s so chic!). While this fashion rule still applies for shoulder bags (albeit not conclusively), for clutches, satchels or hobos, you might reconsider this law of the fashionistas based on your own style statement and preferences. I LOVE a large bag, and so long as it doesn’t completely overwhelm my outfit choice or my small frame, I want to carry a purse almost as long as my torso. And it has to be a huge punch of color. On that same note, I am currently coveting the look of a chain strap messenger with small purse dimensions.

Again, it depends on my outfit choice for the day, but I typically adopt a mantra of: chic, simple outfit = large, colorful bag; busy, colorful and layered outfit = small, almost inconspicuous purse. Just the same, if the look I’m opting for is classic, I will pair my smaller satchels or cross-body bags with my business attire or special event wardrobe.

So, how do you determine the proper fit of your handbag — for both your shape AND your wardrobe needs?

May Handbag Trends: what the magazines say

May 02, 2011 by mel

Oh, the vicious trend cycle. Just as quickly as “animal prints” is the go-to spring style statement, a colorful purse makes its own voice heard.

Flipping through several high-profile magazines this weekend, fashion has recycled looks from several decades. The most popular this season being 60s, 70s and (still horrifyingly) the 80s. What I love most about the first two is the option of brights and prints. The 80s? I wish someone would lock that decade up for eternity in a dark, back closet somewhere. I would definitely suggest a number of vintage-inspired purses, like these handbags — satchels to match your polished 70s apparel; slouchy hobos to pair with your printed 60s-wear. If you MUST adhere to closet trends that reflect any year between 1980 through 1989, opt for a minimal messenger or canvas cross-body with your “grunge” emphasis. And… please, tell me it’s only a phase.

One of my personal favorite trends that seems to grace nearly EVERY fashion mag right now is the satchel. What can I say: the 70s were definitely my decade! The satchel is chic, structured, roomy and just seems to fit my personal style with such ease.

If you decide to embrace the 1960s, the hobo is ubiquitous — you can embrace your inner beach goddess, then go sashay down a runway. Point being: incredibly versatile, “comfy” and sleek with a variety of clothing choices. Additionally, patterns have found their way into accessories, just as much as clothing — and it’s not JUST about the jungle theme (although those animal print handbags are still hot from last year!), but stripes, embossed facades and woven textures add to the diversity of style choices. Keep within one section of the color wheel, and mixing patterns is OK (just don’t do more than 2. Ever).

I love a mixture of patterns and colors together, and iFashionHandbags has a few accessories that will fit perfectly with those wardrobe choices (and on your shoulder).

Remember, style and era matching is every bit as important as “fit.” Handbags are no different. Stay tuned for next blog post for tips on finding your perfect purse.

New blog I love: Advanced Style

Apr 29, 2011 by mel

Love, love, LOVE this blog: Advanced Style.

For more in depth: this post, in particular. Check out that handbag! It’s so classic and chic. And totally reminds me of one of our new handbags: the Debra Flap Shoulder Bag.

Photo from Advanced Style.

What are you reading this Friday?